Fort Wayne man charged after debtor covered in gasoline, set afire

News-Sentinel staff report

Thursday, March 20, 2014 - 12:01 am

A 29-year-old Fort Wayne man faces charges of battery, a Class C felony, and aiding criminal recklessness, a Class D felony, for what investigators allege is his role in a physical attack on a man who reportedly owed him money.

According to Allen Superior Court documents, David E. Hunter, of the 4100 block of Lillie Street, and his girlfriend, Tamekia M. Spivey, 36, of the 4400 block of McMillen Park Drive, were arguing with a man about a debt Nov. 14. Police said that witnesses reported that the quarrel escalated into an attack on the victim. Witnesses told police that Spivey slashed the man with a machete, drawing blood from his wrist. The victim said that Hunter beat him with his fists, then began hitting him in the head with a board, finally knocking him unconscious, according to court documents.

When the man awoke, he had been covered in gasoline. The victim told police that Hunter told Spivey to set him on fire. She held a lit cigarette lighter near him and brought it closer and closer to him until the fumes of the gasoline ignited, he told police. Police reported that medical staff at St. Joseph Hospital said the victim had been burned over 23 percent of his body.

A warrant for his arrest was issued. A warrant was issued earlier this week for Spivey's arrest.